Solve Challenge Finals 2017

Solving for everyone, by anyone: open innovation to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges  

We live in an era in which technological, climactic, and demographic changes present unprecedented challenges and opportunities. New technologies threaten to eliminate entire industries: nearly half of today’s jobs are at risk of becoming obsolete by the time young people enter the workforce. Furthermore, 7.5 billion people must be fed without depleting our planet’s food and water sources, and 90% of global population growth is concentrated in cities, heightening the need for sustainable urban communities. Brain disorders that impair mental health, social attachment, and economic productivity are increasingly common across all age demographics. And women and girls, especially in underserved areas, continue to experience inequalities that limit their participation in the growing digital economy.

Solve, an initiative of the Massachusetts of Technology, leverages open innovation to identify and accelerate specific, actionable solutions to these global challenges. To kick off the 2017 Solve Challenge Finals, program participants will discuss how inclusive, grassroots approaches are essential to democratizing access to technological innovations and addressing the most profound challenges of our time.

How can women and girls of all socioeconomic backgrounds use technology to fully participate and prosper in the economy? Read more about our Women and Technology Challenge.

How can urban communities increase their access to sustainable and resilient food and water sources? Read more about our Sustainable Urban Communities Challenge.

Communicating for Change: Connect Your Big Ideas to Societal Action

How can stories motivate audiences to take action?

Join Atlantic Media Strategies for a workshop exploring how to engage and energize the right audiences around urgent societal issues. How can powerful stories enable you to reach new people and increase participation in your cause? What is the most effective call to action? Participants will leave this session with lessons for humanizing complex issues and fostering meaningful engagement and action over the long term.

Inclusion as Fuel for Innovation

How can every person improve their brain health and mental resilience? Read more about our Brain Health Challenge.

How can disadvantaged youth learn the skills they need to prepare them for the workforce of the future and thrive in the 21st century? Read more about our Youth, Skills, & the Workforce of the Future Challenge.

Partnering to create a solutions marketplace

The challenges the world faces today are too complex and multi-dimensional to be solved by one sector or one actor alone. Governments recognize the need to involve private actors – whether corporations, foundations, NGOs, or social entrepreneurs – to address local and global issues. Cross-sector partnerships are key to Solve’s problem-solving methodology: it is only through building and convening a community of cross-sector leaders and change-makers that the best solutions designed by our Solvers can be supported and accelerated. To conclude the 2017 Solve Challenge Finals, program participants will discuss how cross-sector actors can work together and partner to create a solutions marketplace where good solutions to address the challenges of our time are funded and implemented.